Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Even a Goddess can have a bad day...Keira, warrior-queen of the galaxy, is as famous for her beauty as she is for avoiding marriage. But when an upstart little planet called Earth threatens her world with its fleet of spaceships, the fate of her people lies in her hands. She must bind herself to a barbarian from the rogue world...or face the destruction of her own!

She's what he never knew he always wanted...Confirmed bachelor Jared Jasper knew the trick Earth pulled on the alien invaders wasn't a permanent solution. What they needed was a peace treaty. It just never occurred to him that he would wind up on the bargaining table. Playing the pushover groom to a mouthy alien babe who knows how to use a plasma sword is not exactly his idea of fun. But with six-billion people depending on him, he doesn't have much choice--sleep with the enemy...or bring on interstellar war.

Strange bedmates? You bet. But this alliance may turn into a romance the likes of which this galaxy's never seen!

ABOUT SUSAN GRANT

Former USAF jet pilot and current commercial airline pilot, RITA award-winner and New York Times bestseller Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows: exotic places, action, adventure, and the often unpredictable interaction between men and women.

REVIEWS

“I loved this book! I can't rave about this novel enough. From an arranged marriage, to royal espionage, to saving Earth, MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is not a book to be missed!” – Sylvia Day, bestselling author of Pleasures of the Night

Monday, February 26, 2007

So I think I can just forget those weaker episodes earlier this month because this one made up for them in spades, baby! A suspenseful, tense, focused episode with plenty of emotion and twists. Now we're talkin'!!!

Episode notes, as always:

* Holy Moly: Eric Roberts! I'm scart. Seriously.

* Claude is there, too. Okay, the circle is now complete. Claude was one of them (pretty much), and then he retired to the Tatooine wastelands...er, "obscurity" until Luke...ERRRRR, Peter came along. Just who was Claude protecting anyway?

* Hiro's daddy! And listen to HRG speak the Japanese. My strange crush intensifies. Also, little Hiro is present. Just a question: did his mind get wiped somewhere along the line? Because he was sitting there within hearing range....

* HRG once again asserts his awesomeness by thinking in Japanese so Matt cannot read his mind. Smooth.

* Love how Claire just coughed up the bullet and got right back to business. Go, Wolverina!

* So now we know why HRG has been so protective and secretive of Claire. Well played.

* BTW, good to see Matt finally used to interesting effect.

* What great casting for the teen Hatian!

* Off topic (kinda): Is anyone excited about FANTASTIC FOUR 2? Meh.

* Great radiation sequence. I love getting to see the Heroes in increasingly studly moments: Peter's big flight last week, Claire's phoenix rising this week.

* Another female Hero? Karm, your wishes are being addressed! Did you storm the writer's room? :)

* Aw, the glasses are explained after all. Nice way of emotionally tying them into the family storyline.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Now, I'm still getting used to the world of mass market versus trade, but my publishers are pleased with the book's performance so far. Hence, I am happy, too, although I'll be brushing up on how the single title business works versus category. It's a whole different ball game. If all the effort I've put into PR didn't inform me of this fact before today, now I know.

So, thank you, everyone, for rushing out to buy NIGHT RISING during these first two and half weeks! Obviously, you've made an impression on Ace, and I love ya for it!

(BTW, I'll hopefully have a great announcement re: Vampire Babylon in the near future--so stay tuned!)

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Vampires!!!!!!!

BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna

Silhouette Nocturne

A young human woman is found ritualistically murdered in a downtown Necropolis hotel. It is up to Caine Valorian, a 200-year-old vampire, and his Otherworld Crime Unit to solve the unusual crime, and quickly before the human press can jump onto the story and cause a panic. To add to their already tough case, a new member, Eve Grant, transfers to their lab at the request of the mayor. Not only is she green and eager to impress the boss, but she's human. The first human ever to work in an Otherworld unit. The mayor thought it would be great press especially now with the strange human murder.

Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don't appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he's unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.

ABOUT VIVI ANNA

A bad girl at heart, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.

Once shot at while repossessing a car, Vivi decided that maybe her life needed a change. The first time she picked up a pen and put words to paper, she knew she had found her heart. Within two paragraphs, she realized she could write about getting into all sorts of trouble without suffering the consequences.

When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds.

REVIEWS

If you like CSI, you'll love this smart, sexy and suspenseful trip through Necropolis where the villains are vamps, werewolves and witches--and so are the good guys.Strong, sexy Caine Valorian is a vampire to die for. He's also the head of the crime unit that cracks the supernatural cases no human is brave enough to tackle. Except beautiful but businesslike Eve Grant. Sparks fly - in and out of bed - when Caine and Eve pool their talents to fight unspeakable evil. – USA Today best selling author, Rebecca York

A new series begins on a strong note with compelling characters that draw you into their world, showing it to you in a way that explains without bogging down the narrative. This is a solid mystery that is enhanced by the romantic and paranormal elements. I look forward to seeing more from this author – Eternal Night Review

Monday, February 19, 2007

* Du-oh: Wireless is persuading Radioactive Ted to go nuclear. Is this just a red herring, or is this the beginning of our New York armageddon scenario? Can't wait to see the part Peter will actually play in all this.

* Hey, don't you just love Matt's wife? Instead of getting excited about a diamond ring on her dresser like most normal women, she demands "WHAT DID YOU DO?" Yeesh. Take a hit off your anti-harpy inhaler, lady.

* Did anyone else think that the hook lamp that was swinging back and forth in Audio Ace's mechanic garage was going to go thunk right in her head? I thought Sylar was going to use it to pry open her noggin, for sure. Clearly, he found a tool just as useful after exercising some patience.

* Finally, the requisite scene in which the mentor beats the novice, but then the novice pulls a good move and makes the mentor go "hah-hah, you fiesty young Padawan!" Peter and Claude have entered the Hero's Journey.

* Solid snark: "You're nothing but a Japanese mapquest for me."

* And the Oscar for Best Actor in the Motion Picture of His Mind goes to...Sylar for Messing with Mohinder. Oh, to fib with the flair and proficiency of our deranged psycho killer.

* Peter! I got kinda tingly when he stopped that Taser and then rocketed off. The bangs still bug a little but, OMG, that pissed look he had on his face after Claude left? HAWWWWWT.

* Oh-oh--dead Simone walking? That was not a friendly look on Nathan's face when she left his office. I wouldn't put it past Nathan to shut her up re: his powers. (But, as we'll soon see, there's really no need to even get out of his comfy chair.)

* I can't help liking HRG. Great villain?/?not villain.

* Love how Sylar's new power is driving him bonkers. Heh! Karma is less than charmed to meet you, Nutboy.And this just in: Mohinder is still a moron.

* Stan Lee! Heart.

* See--Heroes coming together = conflict.

But the most important discovery of the night? Peter is mega-hubba when he's angry. Yow.

I'm happy. HEROES has found its form again, IMHO. What do you all think?

Sunday, February 18, 2007

So, the other night I had my first big booksigning for NIGHT RISING. Not that I have any other "big booksignings" planned, but never say never, right? I've been asked by more bookstores, so we'll see what happens. Anyway, this signing at the Mira Mesa Barnes and Noble included a Q&A panel. That made me very nervous, which is ironic since I'm an ex-teacher. This is what I did every day: talk in front of people and answer endless amounts of tough 8th grade questions. Why was this worse? Maybe because this was billed as an "erotica writers" panel and I was concerned about random visitors who would think it amusing to ask weird questions, LOL. That didn't happen thank goodness, and it turned out to be a fun night, with lots of friends and family showing up.

BTW, if you were one of those, thank you *so* much. Your support meant so much to me!

In the months to come, I'll include any other booksigning notices in my newsletters, just as I did with this one. In the meantime, I'm running around San Diego signing books in stock at various stores. Check Romance World in particular (off Jackman in El Cajon)!!!

Friday, February 16, 2007

I'm continuing from the last HEROES blog. We've been chatting about how this program has slowed down for some of us, and how we wish it'd get back up to thrilling speed. This got me to thinking about TV programs that are working right now--the ones I would stay up to watch, even with commercials. I thought of five that are hitting it for me....

- ROMENot too long ago, Karm commented that this is the show to watch for its pacing. I agree. Alliances don't take forever to develop; in fact, they can be broken within the same episode,which makes for a twisty experience. At the same time, I never feel cheated by the quicksilver pacing of ROME: many of the characters are already so well developed and the acting is so deft that we know, with even just a fleeting look between two characters, what an entire paragraph of dialog might otherwise reveal. This show is fascinating for its low human moments as well as the sublime.

- UGLY BETTYI am addicted...and not just because of the whopper of a plot twist that happened a few weeks ago. I like to see what these characters are up to, even if they're secondary characters. While Betty is lovable in herself, supporting players like "Evil Mark" and "Amanda" are worthy of affection, too. Vanessa Williams is awesome, presenting a villainess who should be one-dimensional, but isn't. Even Betty's seemingly vapid playboy boss grabs my heart and won't let go sometimes. Like in ROME, the acting is a huge plus with this show. I want to hang out with these characters because they're always fun and always on the move.

- LOSTThere are some who'll disagree, but based on the return-from-hiatus episode last week, I'm excited to watch again. In a previous blog, I had noted that LOST seemed to have a definite lack of urgency. The show stagnated while on the Others' island, with some of the main characters in captivity. I had stopped caring about what happened to them--not a good sign. However, I remained intrigued with Juliette. Well, last week took me back to Season One, when every week seemed fresh and terrifying. The CLOCKWORK ORANGE images, Juliette's backstory and the revelation that she's being held captive by Ben--all of them drew me right back in. I haven't had a chance to see this week's episode yet, but I'm chomping at the bit to watch.

- BROTHERS & SISTERSThis show started out with a "meh" sort of vibe. I wasn't particularly compelled by any of the characters, and I outright despised Sally Field's mother. I thought she was much too passive-aggressive. However, something happened to this show, and it's one of the most enjoyable hours on TV now. I love this family--even the much more balanced mom. And I even like Ms. Calista! She's good in this program! There are many laugh out loud moments, thanks to plots that rely on the characters for humor rather than forced situations.

- THE KNIGHTS OF PROSPERITYI don't know if anyone else is watching this, but...OMG. I crack up pretty regularly during each episode. Even though this show is about a semi-inept gang intent on robbing Mick Jagger's home, the methodical build-up to the actual robbery doesn't feel stalled. Every step in reaching their goal is an episode filled with character moments and hilarity.

So what's the problem with HEROES for some of us? Are we not connecting with the characters as we used to...?

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Here's a Scottish paranormal for your Valentine's Day (Have a happy one.)!

MOON AWAKENING by Lucy Monroe

Berkley Sensation February 2007

An enthralling new romantic tale that pushes the boundaries between love and hate, passion and pain-and man and beast...

When Emily Hamilton's family is ordered to send a woman to the Scottish highlands for marriage to the laird of the Sinclair, Emily volunteers in order to save her younger sister from such a fate. But at her new home, the only friend she finds is the laird's sister-especially after Emily's stubborn streak causes the laird to cancel the marriage. And though her plans have gone awry, she refuses to return home...

Lachlan Balmoral is laird of his clan-and leader of his pack. One of the most feared werewolves prowling the Highlands, he is on the march against the hated Sinclair, who have abducted a Balmoral woman. He kidnaps the sister of the Sinclair laird, planning to marry her off in revenge-but the woman he takes along with her proves to be the greater prize...

For Emily feeds a desire he has never known existed. And though Lachlan would not think of touching his enemy's betrothed, he must know how a mere woman could tame his heart so easily...

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 30 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Truthfully, I got a little bored tonight. I know this because my notes are mostly about silly, dorky details. But, let's get to it. Remember, I took these notes as the show chugged along.

* I can't believe Ma Barbecue is blackmailing Nathan. Bummer. Claire needs some support right now. Ironically, it just might end up being Nathan who gives it to her.BTW, have you all heard Hayden P.'s Cinderella song?

* I'm impressed that Jessica is wearing just a teensy bit of Evil Eyeliner and that's it. (Remember Bad ALIAS Sydney? Heavy-handed villain identification there, girl.) Actually, Jess's version is more like Evil Eyeshadow and mascara. Flattering yet menacing. While we're on the subject, have you guys noticed that Jess wears Evil Earrings, too?

* Aw, here we go: Hiro and Ando screwing around inVegas again. Is this Groundhog Day or something?Thank goodness we're saved by Excalibur Waitress and...hey--I like this actress! She was in DODGEBALL! She's funny, so I'm confident hilarity will ensue. Then...bruises from a boyfriend. Okay, that's not funny, but I'm wondering if she's putting on an act? She's not a dramatic actress.

* Please have Matt's new "private security" storyline be interesting.

* Will the new hero guy with the weird floor and the pots and pans be a version of Magneto?

* Yay for Matt versus Jessica!!! If only this match-up would last.

* Heh--didn't I have a feeling that Excalibur Waitress wasn't on the up and up? See, since she isn't a dramatic actress, the abuse thing was weird. I can usually tell who commits the murders on CSI, too, depending on the character actors they cast. It kinda stinks.

* Will Mohinder be the one who will die next week since Sylar's with him now? But Mohinder doesn't have a power. Hmmm, then again, the psycho killed elder Dr. Suresh. Heck, Sylar's just mean--he'd do anyway with Mohinder just for kicks.Then again (again), maybe next week's dead hero will still be Isaac since he's scheduled to have his head sliced open by Sylar anyway. Maybe not, though, since time is fluid in this show. Anyway, I was thinking about a dead Mohinder because it'd be interesting to have the end of the Voice Overs usher in a new phase for the heroes. Like, no Voice Overs equals finally Getting Everyone Together.

* And...that poor guy was not Magneto. In fact, Sylar made that toaster look like the Terminator 2's cyborg model.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

It's been a crazy week with NIGHT RISING's release. I've been doing my online PR, guest blogging, and interviews. In addition to all that, I'm smack in the middle of drafting my September Montana Mavericks Special Edition.

So you would think I didn't have any time to mess around, right? Well, my friends, there is always time for that. Otherwise, how would I fulfill my quota of weekly guilt if I didn't mess around in some way?

Hence, I also planned my upcoming trip to New York.

(Yessssss!)

I'll be there for a conference, and while visiting, I'm going to meet with my editors as well as do a few book store stock signings. Big time write off! But--don't worry--I'll still mess around there. Here are a few things I have in mind....

* Lots o' plays. I've made a list of what I want to see:The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeA Chorus LineLight in the PiazzaWickedSpamalotSpring AwakeningLes Miz (because Lea Solonga is scheduled to be in it and I LOVE Les Miz)The Pirate Queen (which I already have a ticket for)

* Tea at Lady Mendl's SalonI'm a sucker for tea, you know that. And, last time I was in NY, I wandered by this place, but it required reservations, so I promised myself I'd go the next time I was in the city.

* Late night at the Met (where there will be cocktails as well as culture)

* A tour of the Cloisters

* Shopping at vintage stores (last time I got a sweet little skull-and-crossbones tank, and I intend to discover another "find")

* A walking tour of Central Park (I love my walking tours. Love!)

* Hanging out at the W Hotel, Times Square, and sipping one of the best drinks in the world--The Blue Fin.

I'm still deciding about where to eat. Yeesh, with the conference and all, will I have *time* to eat?

If you all have any suggestions and comments, please feel free to post!

What was happening to her? Former screen siren Shara Weston lived on an exotic and private South Pacific island as a recluse . . . until disturbingly masculine and utterly captivating Cade Archer fell out of the sky and into her life. Now, Cade gives her no choice but to follow him down a sensual path that fulfills her every desire.

Cade's on a mission to open a portal between Shara's island volcano and his world. But not everyone wants him to succeed. A powerful enemy has followed Cade to prevent him from sending the resources through the portal that will free his people.

While Cade's mission is as compelling as his dominating sensuality, Shara must find a way to fight him . . . to stop his mission because the fate of every man, woman and child on Earth is at stake.

Susan Kearney used to set herself on fire four times a day, now a USA TODAY BESTSELLING author, she does something really hot—she writes paranormal romance for Tor, sensuous romance for Harlequin Blaze and romantic suspense for Harlequin Signature. She can apply the old rule of "write what you know" and never run out of ideas for characters and plots. An All-American and professional diver, expert in martial arts, sailor, real estate broker and owner of a barter business as well as women's fitness and three hair salons, she has enough material for a lifetime.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

On this day of NIGHT RISING release-i-tude, I'll be running around town signing books at stores so they can sell the autographed copies. Also, Alison Kent was kind enough to ask me to guest blog at her page. She's an awesome person as well as writer, and I'm so appreciative of her kind words and gesture.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Overall, this episode seemed to be a tad faster-paced than last week, and whoever guessed that Nathan was Claire's daddy hit it! Who was that? (Guys, I'm way too tired to go back through comments, so if it was you, claim your glory! Angela? Sandy?)

Thoughts about tonight:

* I guess being invisible also means you can communicate silently with your inviso-partner? No one on the street hears Obi-Dr. Who talking to Peter.

* Sylar pulling out his head plug offered a very admirable squicky sound effect. Bravo. At this point I was wondering if Sylar was going to not only descend upon HRG's house, but somehow end up impersonating Claire's real daddy. (Wrong.)

* RIP, Oprah.

* Quote of the night: "You see them for what they really are: selfish, deceitful...and gassy."

* There's nothing creepier than a bad guy acting nice and holding the family dog, Sylar.

* Was I not paying attention, or did Sylar say something in Eden-voice right before HRG broke in to save the day?

* OMG, Peter!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was wondering how he could regenerate but not fly, so I'm glad they addressed that right away...kind of. I still don't get it. All I know is that Bangs is out of control. I think he needs a hug. Karm? Sponge Bob Hotpants needs some love. :)

* Okay, so is the Niki/Jessica mirror thing metaphorical or literal since Niki is trapped in the mirror and we're back to using that imagery? This girl's "powers" have been all over the place, so I don't even have a clue as to what's happening with her.

* Nathan, you naughty little space ranger.

Again, it feels like more happened this week, but maybe it's because there was no Matt....

NIGHT RISING is coming to bookstores tomorrow!!! One of my wonderful critique partners, Sheree WhiteFeather, told me that she got an e-message saying that her online store copy was already in the mail, so, wow, this is actually happening. This series has taken so long to come to fruition that it's almost dream-like, you know?

At any rate, I also want to remind you that I'll be blogging about HEROES tonight after it airs on the West Coast, so if you want to drop in some comments, I'll see you soon!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

The winner of last month's contest was Maureen Emmons. Congratulations, Maureen, the prizes are coming right to you.

Have you guys seen the prize package for February yet? It's one I'm rather excited about--a Vampire Hunting Kit! There are some very cool prizes that I'm tempted to keep, LOL. Here's the list:

* an autographed copy of Charlaine Harris’s DEAD AS A DOORNAIL. I got her to sign a copy at last year's RT conference in Daytona Beach, and I've been hanging onto it just for the occasion of NIGHT RISING's release.

* a spider web hobo bag from vampirewear.com. This is a super cute bag, you all. Love it.

* a Buffy the Vampire Slayer Watcher’s Guide, Volume 1. I know there are some major Buffster fans out there....

* a Buffy the Vampire Slayer novel, CARNIVAL OF SOULS by Nancy Holder. I met Nancy at last year's Comic-Con, San Diego, when she was signing in the Harlequin/Silhouette booth for Bombshell. She's awesome!

* a signed copy of my first vampire book (as Crystal Green), THE HUNTRESS. I don't have very many author copies left, so you won't see many more giveaways of this original Bombshell release.

So come on over to my main site--and remember that this Tuesday is the big day: the release of NIGHT RISING!!!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

I think I’m supposed to Outoftheblogosphere blog about this book either next week or the one after, but I just finished it and I wanted to recommend it because it’s on the shelves February 1. (That’s today!)

THE NYMPH KING is written by Gena Showalter, and if you love your mythic paranormals, you’re going to be verra, verra pleased. The story is this: Valerian, king of the nymphs, and his men have taken over a dragon palace in Atlantis. The interesting thing about nymphs is that they derive strength from sex…but there’s a shortage of women. Hence, they must go “above” to bring some females back for some hot seduction.

Once there, Valerian finds his true mate. Unfortunately, our heroine, Shaye, isn’t into the whole love thing, so he encounters quite a bit of reluctance. But that’s where the fun is: in Valerian having to win her over.

Now, I’ve always adored a good harem book; Bertrice Small’s stories have held me in thrall because they’re frequently set in sultry havens. Gena’s world isn’t too different from one of these tales. The sex is steamy, and her world—populated with creatures such as dragon men, vampires, and mermaids—is vividly imagined. And she will make you laugh. Such a clever thing is Ms. Showalter!